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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 15, 2018 12:30 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Anthony H. Williams |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Prohibiting Solitary Confinement of Vulnerable Populations |
| In the near future, I will be introducing companion legislation to Representative Tina Davis’ HB 2214, which prohibits the use of solitary confinement on pregnant women, LGBTQ individuals, inmates age 21 and younger, and inmates age 70 and older in Pennsylvania. The unethical and inhumane practice of placing our most vulnerable populations in isolation for days, weeks, or even months on end can have devastating effects on themselves and their families. For our most vulnerable populations, entering a correctional facility can be devastating enough. To deprive them of normal human interaction, access to reading materials, and meaningful educational programming not only limits their ability to become productive members of society, it often leads to severe psychological disorders and suicide. Specifically, this legislation would prohibit the use of restraint chairs, chemical agents, and shackles, as well as put an absolute cap on the use of solitary confinement for all inmates at 15 days. The bill also provides alternatives to solitary confinement, such as loss of privileges and informal sanctions; a step down program with rehabilitation; an independent investigator for each prison that would oversee inmates in solitary confinement and report abuse; and a civilian review board to preside over misconduct hearings. There is no remedial benefit to placing someone in extended isolation – this practice is strictly punitive and does not reflect the rehabilitative goals of imprisonment. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |